Joshua 10:18

18 Joshua said, "Roll large stones over the mouth of the cave. Station some men by it to guard them,

Joshua 10:18 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 10:18

And Joshua said, roll great stones upon the mouth of the
cave
To keep the kings in, that they might not make their escape, until he had convenient time to have them brought before him, and be treated by him as they deserved; and no doubt there were plenty of stones about the hill or mountain, in which this cave was, fit for this purpose:

and set men by it for to keep them;
as a guard upon them, to prevent their escape.

Joshua 10:18 In-Context

16 Then those five kings fled and hid in the cave at Makkedah.

17 It was reported to Joshua, "The five kings have been found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah."

18 Joshua said, "Roll large stones over the mouth of the cave. Station some men by it to guard them,

19 but don't you stay there. Chase after your enemies and attack them from the rear. Don't let them enter their cities, because the LORD your God has given them into your power."

20 Joshua and the Israelites finished dealing them a stunning blow until they were finished off. Some survivors among them escaped into the fortified cities.